Syracuse colleges mourn death of forestry student

Syracuse, NY – A State University College of Environmental Science & Forestry student died this morning from cardiac arrest at Crouse Hospital, ESF President Neil B. Murphy said.

Jessica Pfeifer, 21, a senior originally from Pennsylvania, lived in an off-campus apartment with other students, Murphy said. He said she was brought by ambulance to Crouse between 3 and 4 a.m. but that he did not know any details that led to her hospitalization.

Pfeifer had been active in planning events leading to next month’s commencement exercises, including the Spring Soiree scheduled for Saturday, Murphy said.

She was a student in the department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, according an e-mail message Murphy sent to the campus community.

“She was a great young woman,” Murphy told a reporter. “She’s going to be missed.”

Campus officials are working to arrange counseling for her friends, Murphy said.

Syracuse University Chancellor Nancy Cantor sent an e-mail to her campus expressing sadness at the death of a student from the neighboring college.

Pfiefer was from Kennett Square, Pa., and was a member of Alpha Phi Omega, she said.

"At this very difficult time, our thoughts are with Jessica’s family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched," Cantor said.

Murphy said he met with Pfeifer’s parents this morning and that they were to meet today with the Onondaga County medical examiner.

A gathering will be held in Alumni (Nifkin) Lounge today at 3:30 p.m., according to Murphy's e-mail. Representatives from the ESF Student Wellness and Support Office, Syracuse University's Counseling Center and Hendricks Chapel will be available, both leaders' e-mails said.